Gatlinburg Destination Overview

Attention, nature lovers, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is an outdoor paradise. This mountain town rests on the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is without a doubt the shining star attraction, boasting hundreds of miles of hiking trails, waterfalls and climbing opportunities. Between the mountain lookout points and cascading waterfalls to be seen, you're sure to have plenty of chances to get your heart pumping and your camera flashing. Soak in the mountain air in Gatlinburg, a top-notch vacation for outdoorsy types.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

As the most-visited national park in the U.S., the Great Smoky Mountains deserves a section all its own. This UNESCO World Heritage Site straddles the border between Tennessee and North Carolina and is home to more than 5,500 species of plants and 65 species of mammals. Watch out for black bears!

Hiking:

Choose from dozens of scenic paths that weave throughout the park. Grotto Falls is a popular option, as it leads to the only waterfall in the Smokies where you can stand behind it. For a more rigorous climb, take the Mount Le Conte path that rewards with views from the top of the mountain. Along the way, most hikers come across a diversity of flora and fauna. Fun fact: There are more types of plant life in the 815 square miles of the park than the entire continent of Europe, making hiking trails here a gold mine for flora enthusiasts.

Fishing:

Cast a line in more than 700 miles of fishable streams in the park. You'll be up against rainbow trout, brook and smallmouth bass. With 2,115 miles of streams, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is a hot spot for anglers - find your style at remote headwater trout streams or large, cool water smallmouth bass streams. Notably, fishing is permitted year-round in the park, from 30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset.

Horseback riding:

At the Great Smoky Mountains National park, you can fulfill your little girl's wish of riding a pony. Guided horseback rides are offered from mid March through late November at four concession horseback riding stables: Cades Cove, Smokemont, Smoky Mountain and Sugarlands. The latter two are closest to Gatlinburg. Rides venture on scenic park trails and last from 45 minutes to several hours.

Gatlinburg Staples

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies:

Bring the kids to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies for a thrilling underwater experience. At this interactive facility, youngsters can touch jellyfish, come face-to-face with 12-foot sharks (with plexi glass in between of course), spot giant sea turtles and pet horseshoe crabs and stingrays. You won't want to miss the Tropical Rainforest, where piranhas and four-eyed fish call home, before climbing through tunnels to watch warm weather penguins in their habitat. The activities may have moved indoors, but the marine life here is filled to the brim.

Gatlinburg Space Needle:

In addition to the Great Smoky Mountains, the Gatlinburg Space Needle is a must-see Gatlinburg attraction. After you've conquered the outdoors, ride an elevator 342 feet to the top of the Space Needle for incredible views of the Smokies. Children will be pleading to visit Arcadia, a 25,000-square-foot, two-story playground with video games and prizes. Don't miss live shows at the Iris Theater, either, home of Bill Gladwell, the Gatlinburg Mentalist, and Guy Michaels, a funny hypnotist.

Shopping and Dining

Check out local arts and crafts before savoring delectable steaks and mountain microbreweries.

Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community:

Located in a historic 8-mile loop that has been designated a Tennessee Heritage Arts & Crafts Trail, the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community is a group of more than 120 working artists and artisans who sell their wares. This is the largest group of independent artisans in North America, so you won't be at a loss for purchases - you can find everything here from paintings to woven baskets to fine photography.

Cherokee Grill:

Cherokee Grill is an upscale steakhouse. The crowd favorite is the 12-ounce New York strip, flanked by Tennessee blue cheese grits, fresh baked bread and your choice of a side. Go on Friday and Saturday for the house special, prime rib. Though the filets are delicious, the crab cakes and baked spinach have been known to hit the spot. Call ahead for seating to avoid 45-minute-long waits.

Smoky Mountain Brewery:

Beer lovers flock to Smoky Mountain Brewery, a popular mountain microbrewery that serves cold ones concocted at one of its four locations in East Tennessee. Sudsy connoisseurs serve seasonals and brewmaster specialties, made in small batches, as well as mainstays. If you're feeling like something smooth, opt for the Mountain Light, but if dark and roasty is the calling card, Tuckaleechee porter is the way to go. To complement the beverages, there is also traditional pizza and one-of-a-kind mountain subs.

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